Hope on the Slopes

03.09.2012 - 03.10.2012

• Location : Mt. Hood Ski Bowl
• Sport : Skiing
• Sport : Snowboarding
• Region : Mt. Hood / Gorge

Dozens of teams are expected to ski or snowboard for 24-hours straight, fueled by the memories of loved ones and cancers survivors, during the Hope on the Slopes vertical challenge set for March 9-10 at Mt. Hood Skibowl.

Part competition and part party, last year, over 200 participants traveled more than 3 million vertical feet down the Upper and Lower Bowl in an effort to raise money and awareness for the American Cancer Society. A total of $59,590 was raised including an $11,000 donation from Hanna, whose father died of cancer. A complete run from the Upper Bowl to the Lower Bowl is 1,500 vertical feet. Teams secure pledges and then make sure that at least one member is on the slope throughout the 24 hour period that starts at 1 p.m. Friday, and ends at 1 p.m. Saturday.

A highlight of the event will be the Friday evening Torchlight Parade, where skiers travel information down the darkened Lower Bowl run carrying torches that illuminate the night.

At the bottom of the run, the torches are placed around the glowing word “HOPE” that lights up a snow bunker. And, if 24 hours is too much, consider the 18 hour competition, starting at 7pm Friday, or a 6 hour competition, perfect for families, starting Saturday at 7am.